The Souvenir jacket, or 'sukajan,' was first embroidered by the Japanese for American soldiers during the occupation and was initially sold in street stalls and later at the Post Exchanges of military bases. The Yokosuka Navy Yard, from where the Sukajan name is derived, was one of the main arsenals of the Imperial Japanese Navy leading up to World War II. After the war, the base came to be occupied by US forces.

These jackets commonly featured, in an unrefined style; an embroidered map of Vietnam, text denoting the troops base or squadron, the classic tiger motif and the motto, ‘When I die I’ll go to heaven because I’ve served my time in hell’ and were constructed in fabric readily available during the war such as surplus poncho liners, sleeping bags, and áo dài, the Vietnamese ethnic dress.

Embroidery and mementos extended beyond jackets as the popularity of souvenir garments grew and soon found its way onto civilian shirts and hats, which became keepsakes for soldiers returning home.

Our VIET-NAM OPEN COLLAR SOUVENIR SHIRT features traditional local motifs such as Kanjii detailing at the collar and a larger dragon motif on the chest. Crafted from a rayon-cotton blend, often used in original jackets, the shirt is finished with urea button fastenings.

55% Rayon, 45% Cotton

Urea Buttons

Cotton Sewing Thread Construction

Coarse Thread Embroidery

Made in Japan